Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-07-14
land, who spoke TO the toast "The
President Of the United States"

ihnu, WHO spoke I'd tne todst AhS
President Of the United States
Mr. Cleveland said clam inclined TO
content myself on this occasion with an
acknowledgment on behalf of the peo-
pie OF the United States OF the compli.
ment which you have paid 10 the office
which represents their sovereignty /;
but such an acknowledgment suggests
an idea which ! cannot refrain from
dwelling upon for a moment. That the
Office of President of the United States
does represent the sovereignty OF CO.
000,0 eco of people is TO my mind state
ment full of solemnity. Sovereignty
| conceive To be the working act or en-
forcement of the Divine gift OF man to
govern himself and the manifestation of
Gods plans concerningth human race.
Though the struggles OF political parties
to secure the incumbency of this Office
and the questionable methods some
times resorted to for its possession may
not be in keeping with this idea, and
though the deceit practiced to mislead
the people in their choice and its too
frequent influence on their suffrage
may surprise Us. these things should
never lead us astray IN our estimate OF
this exalted position and It's value and
dignity. And though your fellow-citi-
zen who may be chosen to perform for
q time the duties Of this highest place
should be badly selected, and though
the best attainable results may not be
reached by his administration, yet the
oxactiDg watchfulness of the people,
freed from the disturbing turmoil OF
political excitement, ought TO prevent
a mischance to the Office which
represents their sovereignty, and
should reduce TO the minimum the
danger Of harm to the State.
| by 10 means underestimate the
importance of the utmost Gaze and cir
clmspection in the selection of the
incumbent. On the contrary, ! believe
there is no obligation Of citizenship
that demands more thought aud con-
scicntious deiberation than this. But
/ am speaking of citizens duty TO the
Office and its selected incumbent. This
duty is only performed when in the
interest Of the entire people when
the full exercise o. the powers
Of the Chief Magistracy is insisted
on, and when, for the peoples safety,
due regard for limitations placed upon
The Office is exacted. These things
should he enforced by the manifesto
ton Of calm and enlightened public
opinion. This should not be simu-
| lated by the mad clamor of disappolnt-
ed interest. which, without regard for
the general good or allowance for the
exercise Of official judgments, would
degrade the office by forcing com
pliancc with selfish demands. If
vour President should not be Of the
people and one of your lOw-citlzenS
he would be utterly unfit for the posi-
ton, incapable OF understanding the
peoples wants. and careless OF their
desires. That he is one of the people
implies that he is subject to human
frailty and error, but he should be
permitted TO claim bat little liberation
ior mistakes. The generosity OF his fell
low citizens ST. Juld alone decree how far
good intentions should excuse his short
comings. Watch well, then, this high
Office. The most precious possession
Of American citizenship demands for at
! the most complete devotion on the part
of him to whose custody it may be IN
trusted, and protect it not less violently
from unworthy assaults from without.
Thus will You perform sacred duty to
Yourselves and to those who may follow
You in the enjoyment of the free ins!i-
tutions which Heaven has ever yonch-
safed to man"